Lonely Planet - Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona

This enchanting seaside city boasts boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene.

Barcelonas architectural treasures span 2000-plus years. Towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a window into Roman-era Barcino. Fast forward a thousand years to the Middle Ages by taking a stroll through the shadowy lanes of the Gothic quarter, past tranquil plazas and soaring 14th-century cathedrals. In other parts of town bloom the sculptural masterpieces of Modernisme, a mix of ingenious and whimsical creations by Gaud and his Catalan architectural contemporaries, for which this city is so well known. Barcelona has also long inspired artists, including the likes of Salvador Dal, Pablo Picasso and Joan Mir, whose works are in bold display in the citys myriad museums.

Barcelonas great artistic traditions dont end at the canvas. Its masters of molecular gastronomy (Ferran Adri, Carles Abelln et al) are part of the long and celebrated tradition of Catalan cooking. Simple, flavourful ingredients olive oil, jamn, seafood are transformed into remarkable delicacies and served in captivating settings. Feast at an outdoor seaside table or step back to the 1920s in an art-nouveau-filled dining room.

The deep blue Mediterranean beckons. Sun-drenched beaches make a fine backdrop to a jog, bike ride or leisurely stroll along the seaside followed by a refreshing dip of course. You can also enjoy the view from out on the water while kayaking, windsurfing or taking it easy on a sunset cruise. Looming behind the city, the rolling forest-covered Collserola Hills provide a scenic setting for hiking, mountain biking or just admiring the view. Closer to the centre, hilltop Montjuc offers endless exploring amid botanic and sculpture gardens, an old castle and first-rate museums with panoramic views at every turn.

Barcelonas nights hold limitless possibilities. Start with sunset drinks on a hillside terrace or at a rustic beachside chiringuito. As darkness falls, music transforms the city: the rapid-fire rhythms of flamenco, brassy jazz spilling from basements, and hands-in-the-air indie-rock at vintage concert halls. Towards midnight the bars fill. Take your pick from old-school taverns adorned with 19th-century murals, plush lounges in lamp-lit medieval chambers or festive cava bars. If youre still standing at 3am, hit the clubs and explore Barcelonas unabashed wild side.

ALFREDO MAIQUEZ / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Why I Love Barcelona

By Regis St Louis, Coordinating Author

I love the sea, and taking an early-morning jog along the Mediterranean is my favourite way to start the day. Im also a bit of a history nerd, and relish strolling the cobblestone lanes of the Gothic quarter, thinking about all the people in past centuries who walked these same streets. And then theres the food and drink the first-rate tapas bars, the abundant and inexpensive wine, the superb and reasonably priced multicourse lunches. Add to all this Catalan creativity (Modernisme, Mir, Dal), bohemian bars and stunning nearby getaways and you have, quite simply, one of the worlds most captivating cities.

For more about our authors, see .

Barcelonas Top 10

La Rambla ()

Sure it is the most touristy spot in town. But you cant come to Barcelona and not take the 1.2km stroll down the famous pedestrian boulevard that stretches toward the sea. Its pure sensory overload, with a parade of people amid open-air cafes, fragrant flower stands, a much-overlooked mosaic by Mir and the rather surreal human sculptures. If you can take your eyes off the boulevard, youll notice key venues lining both sides of the street, including the elegant Gran Teatre del Liceu, the sprawling Mercat de la Boqueria and several major galleries.

La Rambla & Barri Gtic

JOSE FUSTE RAGA / CORBIS

La Sagrada Famlia ()

One of Barcelonas icons, the Modernista masterpiece remains a work in progress more than 80 years after the death of its creator, Antoni Gaud. Fanciful and profound, inspired by nature and barely restrained by the Gothic style, Barcelonas quirky temple soars skyward with a playful majesty. Stepping through its sculpted portals is like walking into a fairy tale, where a forest of columns branch toward the ceiling and light shimmers through brilliant stained glass windows. Rich with beautifully wrought detail and packed with symbols, the basilica invites hours of contemplation.

La Sagrada Famlia & LEixample

JEAN-PIERRE LESCOURRET / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Camp Nou ()

For the sports-minded, little can compete with the spectacle of a match at FC Barcelonas massive football stadium. With a loyal fan base and an incredibly gifted team led by the likes of Lionel Messi, Camp Nou always hosts a good show even if you cant make it to a game, its still worth visiting. The Camp Nou Experience is an interactive museum and stadium tour that takes you through the locker rooms and out onto the pitch, hallowed ground for many Catalans.

Camp Nou, Pedralbes & La Zona Alta